Pesta Ubin 2017 Workshop

Pulau Ubin people had fun at a workshop specially for those organising activities for Pesta Ubin 2017!

About 70 people passionate about Pulau Ubin from 20 Organising Groups made time to attend the Pesta Ubin 2017 Workshop on 10 Apr 2017.


Specially for Organising Groups who are planning activities for Pesta Ubin 2017, this workshop aimed to allow participants to get to know others passionate about Ubin and what they are offering for Pesta Ubin.

November Tan of the Leafmonkey Workshop gets us started.

And to share ideas on how we can all improve Pesta Ubin together.

Also to collaborate with others on Pesta Ubin and Ubin issues.

And an opportunity to network and have fun with others who are passionate about Ubin.

The Workshop began by learning about one another. Each Organising Group made a 2-minute introduction of their Group, the aspects of Ubin they are showcasing in their Pesta Ubin activity and one special attraction of their Pesta Ubin activity.

During the first breakout session, participants shared “What Pesta Ubin means to me?”. Most shared that it was a time to learn and experience Ubin’s cultural, natural heritage, hidden gems; a way of life no longer found on the mainland, the last kampung, interaction with villagers while escaping from city life.

Pesta Ubin was also a time for more people from all walks of life to get to know Ubin, experience the kampung spirit and bring the Ubin Way back to the mainland. Also to encourage others to perserve Ubin heritage and nature.

Some shared that Pesta Ubin was a way for them to give back to Ubin, share their passion.

On “What I would like to see more of at Pesta Ubin?” participants suggested a wide range of ideas including more activities for specific target groups, covering a wider area of Ubin, a wider range of activities from sustainable ones, nature, heritage to kampung life, night activities.

Others wanted more local Ubin villagers involved, more youths to be involved. Some wanted more coordinated publicity and social media coverage of Pesta Ubin.

Some highlighted principles such as keeping Pesta Ubin simple and rustic, and one hoped that Pesta Ubin becomes 'extinct' - because everyone already knows about Ubin.

In the second session, participants came up with a Pesta Ubin activity that involves all members in their group, i.e., the aspects of Ubin that each is passionate about. They then did fun demonstrations of their activity!

which included an Amazing Race, Survivor-style activity, homestay, kayaking, walks and

Homestay with fun walks and kampung games

Island walk to forage for food: the Rambutan Tree!

Amazing Race: Snap a photo of that bird!

Survivor: Pulau Ubin

Kayaking Ubin's awesome waterways.

Including how to survive a capsizing!

What happens when wild pigs get caught in a trap? How to release them gently.

Demonstrations of kampung life.

There was also a lively networking session at the end of the evening.

The Workshop participants also voted on the Pesta Ubin 2017 logo and badge design. And the winning design was done by Inez Alsagoff, NParks intern and Pesta Ubin Coordinator! Thanks also to Inez for doing all the heavy lifting for the Workshop!

Grateful thanks to Senior Minister of State Desmond Lee for hosting the event.

Minister Desmond (centre) with Pesta Ubin Coordinators
Inez Alsagoff from NParks (right) and
Ng Jingrou from NYC-Youth Corps (left)

More photos of the Pesta Ubin 2017 Workshop on wildsingapore flickr.

Full After Action Report of the Pesta Ubin 2017 Workshop is online here.